UAE National Olympic Committee Unveils Participation Plans for Asian Youth Games and Islamic Solidarity Games

UAE National Olympic Committee Announces Delegations for Major Youth Sporting Events The UAE National Olympic Committee has revealed the details of the country’s upcoming participation in two prestigious competitions: the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain from 22nd to 31st October, and the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia from 7th to 21st November. During a press conference held at the Committee’s headquarters in Dubai—with representatives from sports federations and media outlets in attendance—Ahmed Al Tayeb, Director of Technical and Sports Affairs, presented the plans for both events after conveying regards on behalf of Faris Mohammed Al Mutawa, the Secretary-General. At the Asian Youth Games, the UAE delegation will join over 5,000 athletes from 45 nations, competing across 24 sports and 253 events. The UAE will participate in 18 sports: handball, basketball (3×3), equestrian (show jumping and endurance), athletics, swimming, road cycling, boxing, muay thai, weightlifting, triathlon, taekwondo, table tennis, camel racing, badminton, golf, judo, jiu-jitsu, and mixed martial arts. The delegation features 152 athletes—107 men and 45 women. Al Tayeb highlighted the historic inclusion of endurance equestrian, jiu-jitsu, and muay thai for the first time, calling it “a milestone that reflects the rapid development of Asian sport and strengthens cultural and sporting exchange.” He emphasized that these games, open to athletes aged 14–18, serve as a qualifying pathway to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and provide a vital platform for identifying promising talent to build a new generation capable of excelling at senior Asian Games and the Olympic Games. He further noted the importance of international experience for young athletes, both in building confidence and fostering personal growth. The UAE handball team will commence its Asian Youth Games campaign in Group C: facing Kazakhstan on 19th October, Hong Kong on 20th October, and Iran on 21st October. Turning to the Islamic Solidarity Games, hosted in Saudi Arabia for the second time since the event’s inception in 2005, the Committee expects participation from over 3,000 athletes representing 57 countries. The UAE, having competed in every edition and consistently collected medals, will contest 15 sports: judo, jiu-jitsu, karate, muay thai, taekwondo, athletics, swimming, equestrian, fencing, weightlifting, table tennis, e-sports, camel racing, and athletics and weightlifting for People of Determination. The UAE’s delegation comprises 96 athletes—64 men and 32 women. Nasser Al Tamimi, Board Member of the Committee and Chairman of the Technical Committee, stressed the significance of these events in “nurturing young talent, enhancing competitive experience, raising the standard of national sport, and strengthening sporting cooperation.” He explained that these goals are integral to the Committee’s mission of supporting the Olympic Movement and its values in close partnership with national sports organizations. According to Al Tamimi, about a year ago the Technical Committee evaluated its strategic plan with an eye towards Dakar 2026 and Los Angeles 2028, focusing on athletes born between 2008–2011 and 2010–2014. The comprehensive plan covers talent identification, intensive training, and competitive participation to hone UAE athletes’ skills and performances. The UAE’s participation in the Asian Youth Games is especially significant, as the nation seeks to clinch its first-ever medal in the competition since its debut in Singapore in 2009—an achievement that would represent a landmark success and a powerful motivator for future sports generations. At the Islamic Solidarity Games, the UAE has accumulated 23 medals to date, with most of its success coming at the most recent edition in Konya, Türkiye. There, cyclist Ahmed Al Mansoori claimed the UAE’s first-ever gold in the track scratch race. Team V.4-EM-UAE